Modern smartphones of the brand Honor work on the basis of various shells that hide the core of the operating system. Users often need to know the exact firmware figure to install specific applications or solve technical problems. The standard path to the menu is not always obvious, especially after major interface updates.
In this article we will analyze all the available methods for identifying the software version. You will learn how to find hidden information through the engineering menu and why the numbers in the settings may differ from the actual kernel version. This will help you avoid mistakes when searching for drivers or repair instructions.
Checking through the standard settings menu
The easiest and safest way to get information about the system is to use the built-in interface. The path to the data may differ slightly depending on which shell is installed: EMUI or new Magic UI. In most cases, the required section is at the very bottom of the list of parameters.
Click on the item About phoneto see basic information about the model and processor. The build number and security version are usually displayed here. However, to find out exactly the kernel version Android, you often need to make an additional click on the line with the build number or go to the subsection Software information.
Please note that manufacturers often indicate the version of their shell in large font, for example Magic UI 6.0. The real android version may be hidden in small print below. If you don’t see the number right away, try quickly tapping several times on the item Build number.
⚠️ Attention: On some models with deep interface changes, the “Android version” item may not be on the main screen of the “About phone” section. Look for the "Options" tab or the gear icon inside this menu.
If you cannot find the Android version in the menu, try using the settings search. Enter the word “Android” or “Version” into the search bar at the top of the settings screen.
Using engineering code for diagnostics
For a deeper check, you can use secret combinations of symbols. This method works on most devices Honor and Huaweieven if the interface is blocked or does not work correctly. You will need the Phone application or a standard dialer.
Enter the following code on the dialing keypad:
##2846579##After entering the last digit, the ProjectMenu service menu should automatically open. Select section (Information) or Software version. Technical information about the firmware is displayed here, including the system kernel version.
- 📱 The code works without pressing the call button.
- 🔒 Access to the menu may be limited on locked bootloaders.
- ⚙️ The menu interface may be partially in English or Chinese.
Using this method does not require an Internet connection. However, be careful: changing settings inside the engineering menu without understanding the consequences may lead to network resets or other problems. View the information, but do not change the parameters.
Viewing information through the developer menu
If standard methods do not produce results, activating developer mode will provide access to extended data. This mode is hidden by default to protect the device from inexperienced users. To turn it on, you will need to perform a series of clicks.
Go to Settings → About phone and find the item Build number. Press it quickly 7 times in a row. The system will ask you to enter the screen unlock password, after which a notification will appear that you have become a developer.
Now return to the main settings menu and find the new section System and updates → For developers. Scroll down to the Debugging block. In some firmware versions, here you can find detailed information about running processes and the kernel version through the item Running services or Process statistics.
⚠️ Attention: Do not enable “USB Debugging” or “OEM Unlocking” items if you do not plan to connect the phone to a computer for complex manipulations. This may reduce the security level of the device.
Detecting the version by connecting to a PC
The most reliable way to find out the exact kernel version is to connect your smartphone to a computer. This method is indispensable if the phone screen is broken or the sensor does not respond. You will need a USB cable and installed drivers ADB (Android Debug Bridge).
After connecting and allowing debugging on the smartphone screen, open the command line on your computer. Enter the command to display complete system information. The device will respond with a detailed text report, which will indicate the exact version of the API and kernel.
adb shell getprop ro.build.version.releaseThis method shows the “clean” version of Android that the system sees, ignoring the marketing names of the shells. It also allows you to find out the build date and compilation host name, which is useful when searching for specific firmware on forums.
☑️ Preparing to connect via ADB
Table of correspondence between shells and Android versions
Understanding the relationship between shell version EMUI/Magic UI and basic android helps you navigate updates. The brand Honor often updates the interface, leaving the same version of the core, or vice versa. Below is a correspondence table for popular models.
| Shell | Basic version of Android | Examples of models | Support status |
|---|---|---|---|
| EMUI 9.1 | Android 9.0 (Pie) | Honor 10, View 10 | Completed |
| EMUI 10.1 | Android 10 | Honor 20, 30 | Limited |
| Magic UI 4.0 | Android 10 | Honor 30 Pro+ | Current |
| Magic UI 5.0 | Android 11 | Honor 50, Magic 3 | Current |
| Magic OS 7.0 | Android 13 | Honor Magic 5 | New |
Data in the table may vary depending on the region of release of the device. European versions often receive updates earlier or later than their Chinese counterparts. Always check the model number in the settings with the official support list.
Why may the versions not be the same?
Manufacturers sometimes adapt new shell functions for the old version of the Android kernel. This allows you to extend the life of devices, but may limit compatibility with some new applications that require a fresh API.
Common problems and ways to solve them
Sometimes users are faced with a situation where the phone shows one version, but applications require another. This may be due to a cache error or incorrect over-the-air update. In such cases, clearing the data from the Settings application helps.
Go to Settings → Applications → Settings → Memory and press Reset. This will not delete your personal files, but will return the settings menu to its factory appearance, updating the information displayed. After the reboot, the data should be synchronized correctly.
If the phone was purchased second-hand, it may have custom firmware installed. In this case, the actual kernel version may differ from that stated in the menu. Using third-party utilities like AIDA64 or CPU-Z will help identify the true hardware and software configuration.
⚠️ Attention: If you find that the Android version is lower than stated upon purchase, the device may have been flashed incorrectly. This may affect the operation of banking applications and Google services.
Third-party diagnostic utilities from the Play Market often show more accurate information about the hardware and kernel than the standard smartphone menu.
FAQ: Frequently asked questions
Is it possible to update Android on an old Honor?
The possibility of updating depends on the manufacturer's policy for a specific model. Check the Software Update section in Settings. If there are no official updates, installing a new version is only possible through custom firmware, which voids the warranty.
Why did the Android version not change after the update?
Often major updates concern only the shell Magic UI or security patches, without affecting the version number of the system kernel. This is normal practice for extending the life cycle of devices.
How to find the exact date of firmware build?
The build date is usually listed in the same “About phone” menu, next to the security version number. It has the format YYYY-MM-DD. This information is useful for determining the relevance of installed vulnerability patches.
Does the Android version affect the speed of operation?
New versions of the system often require more resources. On older models Honor updating to the latest Android may slow down the interface. It is recommended to stay on the version on which the device worked stably.